D’Annunzio, Gabriele, << duh NUN see oh, GAH bree EH lee >> (1863-1938), was an Italian author and political figure. His poetry deals with nature, the sea, and his own desire for passionate experiences. The poems show an unusual sensitivity for colors, moods, and feelings. His style is imaginative and melodious, but often flowery. His best poetry is contained in the collection Alcyone (1904). D’Annunzio wrote many novels, several based on his scandalous personal life. The Flame of Life (1900) is based on his love affair with actress Eleonora Duse (see Duse, Eleonora). His plays include La Gioconda (1898) and The Daughter of Jorio (1904).
D’Annunzio was born in Pescara. In 1910, his extravagant living forced him to declare bankruptcy, and he moved to Paris. He returned to Italy to campaign for his country’s entry into World War I. In 1919 and 1920, he served as the self-appointed ruler of the city of Fiume (now Rijeka, Croatia) after seizing the city with a military force.
